Historically Black Colleges and Universities was the idea to my surprise of a Philadelphian Quaker who wished to see higher education for people of African Descent. Since the conception Historically Black Colleges and Universities have provided and produced African Americans who have made tremendous contributions to society, yet not until the late seventies did we start to get credit for some of the achievements of our forefathers in history. Through these Colleges and Universities we have been able to achieve life goals not afforded to us either within our financial binds or available education. Not only have we been taught in the academic arena, but also in social skills, emotional support amongst our peers. We have been taught also how to be proud and stand tall and say I am and I can be and I will do or I will be without any hesitation. Historically Black Colleges and Universities fit our every need; we have medical schools, business schools, theological schools, colleges and universities that house only men, only women, both men and women. These Colleges and Universities have produced the Greek Sororities and Fraternities that instill pride and practice African traditions and keep the African American youth strong in their pride. I am a member of Bethel African American Methodist Epipsical Church of San Diego California and take pride that the church has started and sponsored so many of our youth. Historically Black Colleges and Universities are important today because they still provide education to a lot of youth who do not quite have the academic ability to attend some of the other colleges. We have a choice of either private or public colleges or universities to suit our financial and academic needs. They are recognized as producing stable, viable, well rounded African Americans who can make a difference in society and also they are being favored by people of other races because of some of the academics they offer. I know that Norfolk State University, my school of choice has long served the South African community and my family attended and graduated from this university when it was just recognized as a college and they have done well with their lives. What we can learn is that where is will, where there is hope, where there is a fair chance to be judged and graded, is an important service that was rewarded by these Colleges and Universities. Society and the World would have suffered a great deal if our forefathers had not had the opportunity to attend and achieve a higher education. These Colleges and Universities were stepping stones which paved the way when society allowed and if one was brave to face the turmoil of attending one of the traditional white Colleges and Universities. By society seeing what we could and would do, it proved the old Southern way of thinking that we as African Americans were not smart, articulate, or quick enough to do anything except work for the man. It allowed us to prove them wrong and the most important fact of all, it allowed us to continue with our religious beliefs which have always been close to our hearts. And it also shows that with God we can do all things. Today, the need is still there for the African American youth to learn and by the Grace of God; education is just a step away.
